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Laptops have become integral to our lives and accompany us everywhere we go. Whether you're a professional on the move, a student heading to class, or a digital nomad traveling abroad, keeping your laptop safe and secure is paramount — and the best laptops don't come cheap. So, a good laptop case is essential. It provides an extra layer of protection against accidental bumps and scratches and can add a touch of personal style to your daily layout.

Sorting through the many case and sleeve options can quickly become a time-consuming chore. This curated list will save you the hassle. These selections will expertly guard your pricey tech against scratches, spills, and falls, whether you'd prefer an option that's sleek and minimalist, rugged and durable, or something in between.

  • tomtoc 360 degree protective laptop sleeve
    Source: Tomtoc
    Tomtoc 360° Protective Sleeve
    Editor's choice

    The Tomtoc 360° laptop sleeve features thick padding, especially around the edges, along with an easy-access top zipper. The external pocket is a little snug (as is usually the case with laptop sleeves), but it's big enough to hold slimmer laptop chargers and similar items. It's also available in a nice range of sizes to suit various laptops and tablets.

  • This waterproof, shock-resistant sleeve from JETech protects your Surface Pro 8 accidental spills and bumps. It's available in nine different colors and features a basic, unsophisticated design.
    JETech Waterproof Shock Resistant Laptop Sleeve
    JETech Waterproof Rugged Surface Pro 8 sleeve
    Best value

    The JETech laptop case is a no-frills budget sleeve that also happens to be water-resistant. It has a similar overall design to our top pick, featuring a top-opening zippered main compartment and a large front pocket. However, it's only available in 13 and 15 inch-sizes, but there are a ton of color options.

  • Harber Slim Leather Laptop Folio
    The Harber London Slim Leather Laptop Folio pictured in saddle tan.
    Harber London Slim Leather Laptop Folio
    Premium pick

    Looking for a high-end way to carry your laptop? This stylish full-grain leather folio from Harber London is handmade in Spain. It not only looks great but will last for years with proper care. The wool felt lining also offers good laptop protection, while the anti-scratch zipper provides easy access to the main compartment.

  • Thule Gauntlet Laptop Case
    The Thule Gauntlet Laptop Sleeve pictured in black.
    Source: Best Buy
    Thule Gauntlet 3.0 Laptop Case
    Most durable
    $35 $0 Save $-35

    The Thule Gauntlet, featuring a clamshell design with a padded interior and reinforced edge protection, is a sturdy hard-shell case that's ideal for those who frequently expose their laptops to harsher environments. Along with shielding laptops against bumps and falls, the Thule Gauntlet case is also water-resistant.

  • Society6 Laptop Sleeve
    The Society6 laptop sleeve features a custom retro design.
    Source: Society6
    Society6 Laptop Sleeve
    Best custom style
    $40 $50 Save $10

    Society6 features many unique and stylish designs submitted by artists, allowing you to choose a laptop case with a custom flair. Who doesn't want a little extra oomph? The single-compartment case itself is rather simple otherwise, but it offers sufficient protection for your computer with a stiff polyester canvas construction and a YKK zipper.

  • Amazon"" data-modal-id="single-image-modal" data-modal-container-id="single-image-modal-container" data-img-caption=""The Case Logic 17-Inch Laptop Bag pictured with shoulder strap."">
    Case Logic 17-Inch Laptop Bag
    The Case Logic 17-Inch Laptop Bag pictured with shoulder strap.
    Source: Amazon
    Case Logic 17-Inch Laptop Bag
    For bigger loads
    $30 $45 Save $15

    If you have a bigger laptop or tend to carry more stuff than can fit in your standard laptop sleeve, this shoulder bag from Case Logic is what you need. Its large interior compartment has a strap to secure your computer and provides plenty of additional space for books, chargers, an iPad, and the like.

  • Satechi Water-Resistant Laptop Case
    An angled photo of the Satechi Water-Resistant Laptop Case.
    Source: Amazon
    Satechi Water-Resistant Laptop Case
    Best water-resistant

    This smart-looking bag from Satechi offers a nice, snug fit, along with several exterior pockets. The protection is quite good, with the added bonus of a water-resistant exterior. The external pockets are a bit small to fit items like a laptop charger, but for the price, the Satechi case offers stylish protection for your computer.

  • Native Union Stow Slim MacBook Sleeve
    The Native Union Stow Slim MacBook sleeve pictured in slate gray.
    Source: Amazon
    Native Union Stow Slim MacBook Sleeve
    Best for MacBook

    The Native Union Stow Slim, made from recycled plastic bottles, is a sleek, durable, and eco-friendly sleeve for MacBooks and other slim laptops. It's available in sizes to fit 13–16-inch models, it uses a convenient magnetic closure for easy main compartment access, and it offers a large exterior slip pocket for documents and other smaller items.

How we chose the best laptop cases and sleeves

When choosing the best laptop cases and sleeves, protection is paramount. A good model should provide adequate padding and shock absorption, particularly around the edges, to safeguard your valuable device from accidental bumps and drops. The material quality is also crucial as it determines the case's durability and longevity. Additionally, convenience and portability should be considered; simple access and storage pockets make all the difference when it's time to transport tech.

The Tomtoc 360 laptop case, the JETech laptop sleeve, and the Harber London leather laptop folio easily took our top three spots, covering a nice spread of styles and features. The Tomtoc 360 laptop sleeve stands out for its great protection with reinforced corners and a soft lining, as well as its water-resistant fabric and additional storage pocket. It's also available at a great price point. The even more affordable JETtech laptop sleeve is also impressive, with its slim and lightweight design, excellent padding, and convenient top-loading zipper. Those looking for a stylish and higher-end pick should consider the Harber London leather laptop folio. It blends style and functionality superbly with a handcrafted full-grain leather construction that will look great and last a long while.

Whether you prioritize rugged protection, elegant design, sleek portability, or some combination thereof, this list caters to many needs, preferences, and price points. Ultimately, the best laptop case or sleeve is the one that fits your specific requirements. It should ensure that your computer stays safe and secure and maybe even add a bit of flair to your everyday carry.